PUBLIC HOUSING INSPECTOR

$33,059 - $49,587/Yr

Columbus County - Whiteville, NC

Full-time

Whiteville, NC

About the position

The Public Housing Inspector position in Columbus County involves performing skilled technical work in the inspection of housing to ensure compliance with HUD Housing Quality Standards. The inspector conducts initial, annual, and special re-inspections of rental houses and apartment buildings, assessing whether they meet the required standards. This role requires the completion of inspection records and reports, as well as investigating noncompliance issues and damages reported by tenants. The inspections focus on safety and living conditions, utilizing a comprehensive checklist to evaluate the properties. The inspector must exercise independent technical judgment to interpret standards and may face hazards associated with potentially substandard housing conditions. The work environment includes both indoor and outdoor settings, with exposure to extreme temperatures. The inspector's performance is evaluated through observation, periodic quality control re-inspections, report reviews, and feedback from stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial inspections and annual re-inspections of rental properties for HUD rental assistance payments.
• Check safety and living conditions to determine compliance with HUD Section 8 standards.
• Schedule inspection appointments with property owners and tenants.
• Prepare and send lists of needed repairs to owners and tenants.
• Conduct final inspections to verify completion of repairs.
• Negotiate rent with property owners based on market comparisons.
• Investigate tenant and landlord complaints regarding housing conditions.
• Inspect the functionality of plumbing, windows, doors, locks, smoke detectors, HVAC systems, roofs, and overall structural soundness.
• Notify responsible parties of defects and re-inspect to ensure corrective actions have been taken.
• Verify tenant income and send out income requests to employers.
• Check social security, disability, child support, and HUD databases; calculate HUD portion of rent based on tenant family income.
• Perform data entry to maintain databases and print housing assistance contracts and leases.
• Provide information to tenants and landlords via phone and in person; maintain logs of work activities.
• Attend safety meetings and training workshops.

Requirements

• Considerable knowledge of HUD Quality Housing Standards.
• Knowledge of practices and materials used in the installation, construction, repair, and maintenance of electrical, plumbing, and mechanical equipment.
• Ability to interpret and apply detailed regulatory requirements.
• Ability to deal firmly and tactfully with property owners, tenants, and the general public.
• Skill in reading and interpreting plans and specifications.
• Ability to enforce regulations tactfully and firmly.
• Ability to work independently and productively.
• Ability to establish and maintain accurate records using manual and technology resources.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, peers, landlords, property owners, and housing program participants.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in construction trades or housing inspections.
• Trade school coursework in building construction trades.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range from $34,711.00 to $49,587.00.
• Possibility of obtaining Housing Quality Standards certification within one year of hire.